Today I was asked to come and have a look at a baby in the entranceway. I was told the family did not want to give the baby up for adoption but that they wanted help because she was sick. I ran upstairs to grab my stethoscope and then asked if one of the men here could translate while I asked the family some questions. As I approached the group of people I saw an elderly woman with a baby girl on her lap. The baby looked tiny laying there and was coughing continuously. .jpg)
One of the men said the cough started yesterday. He said no one else in the family had a cough. Baby didn't have a fever and apparently had been eating well. I had the woman undress baby for me so I could listen to her chest. Baby’s chest didn't sound too bad but as we undressed baby I became more and more concerned. Baby had a tight wrap around her stomach and part of her chest. When I asked what it was for, a family member told me it was to help her get strong. Again, I asked if they could remove it so I could see baby’s chest better. As they turned baby on her stomach I noticed a lump along her spine. I thought perhaps this is what the family was trying to correct with the wrap. Or perhaps it was baby’s umbilical hernia. I decided to have Dixie come and look at baby before admitting her. After a few questions and observations, Dixie agreed baby should be taken up to our nursery. Baby is 3 months old. Mama died either in childbirth or shortly after.Grandma was looking after baby. Baby was only peeing twice a day indicating that she wasn't feeding enough. Another family member told me that baby started looking blue around the eyes this morning which was concerning as well. Baby's oxygen levels were sitting lower than normal so we started her on nasal prongs with oxygen. She was sucking on her hands so we made her a bottle and fed her until she settled fast asleep and stopped coughing. Baby looks quite pale and is looking a little swollen. Please pray for this family and this beautiful baby girl.
Posted on Mon, November 10, 2014
by Nursery Nurse